Electrophysiological Implications of Myocardial Cell and Gene Therapy Strategies

Recent advances in stem cell biology, molecular interventions and tissue engineering may allow the development of novel therapeutic paradigms for a variety of cardiac disorders. Here, we focus on the possible implications of these emerging strategies in the field of cardiac electrophysiology. Initially, the electrophysiological considerations associated with cell therapy for infarct repair are described, both from the mechanistic point of view (evaluating for electromechanical coupling) as well as from the therapeutic (prevention of ventricular arrhythmias) and potential adverse effects (increasing arrhythmogenesis) angles. Next, the experimental gene and cell therapy strategies being developed for the treatment of bradyarrhythmia and tachyarrhythmia are detailed. Specific emphasis will be placed on the potential role of various cardiac mapping and electrophysiological techniques in advancing this exciting new field. This edition first published 2013